17-Day South Africa and Eswatini Safari Itinerary
Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime South Africa and Eswatini Safari that explores the best wildlife destinations, cultural treasures, and breathtaking landscapes across Southern Africa. This 17-day guided safari combines Kruger National Park, the mountainous beauty of Eswatini’s Malolotja Nature Reserve, the lush Zululand reserves, and the dramatic coastlines of the Wild Coast and Garden Route, ending in Cape Town.
Tour Highlights
- Panorama Route – scenic viewpoints including God’s Window
- Kruger National Park – Big Five safari game drives
- Eswatini – hiking in Malolotja and cultural encounters
- Zululand – Hluhluwe game drive & village tour
- Drakensberg Mountains – guided mountain walks
- Wild Coast – beaches, Xhosa culture, and Mandela heritage
- Addo Elephant Park – home to over 600 elephants
- Tsitsikamma – coastal forest trails and river walks
- Hermanus – seasonal whale watching
- Cape Town – Table Mountain, Cape Point & wine country
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Days 1–2: Johannesburg to Greater Kruger
Start your South Africa and Eswatini Safari in Johannesburg and travel along the spectacular Panorama Route, visiting God’s Window and the Three Rondavels. Stay at a comfortable lodge on the edge of Greater Kruger. The next day is dedicated to game drives in Kruger National Park, South Africa’s premier wildlife destination.
Day 3: Southern Kruger National Park
Explore more of Kruger on morning and afternoon game drives. Learn about local ecosystems on a short guided walk and immerse yourself in the wildlife-rich bushveld.
Day 4: Malolotja Nature Reserve – Eswatini
Cross into the Kingdom of Eswatini and enjoy mountain walks in Malolotja Nature Reserve, known for its unspoiled scenery and diverse flora. Overnight in comfortable chalets with stunning views.
Days 5–6: Zululand Game Reserves
Return to South Africa and explore the Msinene Nature Reserve and Hluhluwe-iMfolozi Park. Learn bush tracking skills, spot rhinos, and enjoy traditional Zulu village visits.
Days 7–8: Drakensberg Mountains
Travel to the dramatic Drakensberg range, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Spend two days hiking scenic trails and enjoying mountain vistas from your cozy chalet accommodation.
Days 9–10: Wild Coast via Qunu
Journey to the Wild Coast, stopping at Nelson Mandela’s resting place in Qunu. Enjoy peaceful beach walks, vibrant Xhosa culture, and optional village tours or fishing excursions.
Day 11: Addo Elephant National Park
Experience one of the best conservation success stories in Africa. Go on game drives in search of Addo’s famous elephants and other members of the Big Five. Stay inside the national park.
Days 12–13: Garden Route – Plettenberg Bay & Tsitsikamma
Travel the scenic Garden Route, with two nights in Plettenberg Bay. Discover Tsitsikamma National Park’s forests and gorges, relax on blue flag beaches, and enjoy optional dolphin or canopy tours.
Day 14: Knysna to Hermanus
Stop at the Knysna Heads before heading to Hermanus. Between June and November, enjoy some of the world’s best land-based whale watching. In summer, explore fynbos trails in Fernkloof Nature Reserve.
Days 15–16: Cape Town & Stellenbosch
Arrive in Cape Town via the Cape Winelands, with optional wine tasting in Stellenbosch. Enjoy Cape Point Nature Reserve, Boulders Beach penguins, Hout Bay, and the iconic V&A Waterfront. Optional tours to Robben Island available.
Day 17: Table Mountain and Departure
Conclude your unforgettable South Africa and Eswatini Safari with a morning visit to the world-renowned Table Mountain, offering panoramic views of Cape Town before your onward travel plans.
Inclusions
- All park entry fees, game drives, and guided walks
- Accommodation in lodges, chalets, and tented camps
- Most meals as per itinerary
- Professional safari guide throughout
- Transport in air-conditioned safari vehicles
Optional Activities (at own expense)
- Night game drives
- Ocean safaris and whale watching (seasonal)
- Robben Island tours
- Wine tasting and cultural tours
This South Africa and Eswatini Safari is ideal for travelers who want to explore Southern Africa’s best game parks, cultural regions, and coastal wonders in one comprehensive itinerary.